Hi, Case the Producer here. You know me for answering the phones on the Q101 Morning Crew and for being the sole street team member for Turnstile (they’ve done quite well for themselves, haven’t they?) What you may not know about me is that I’m an expert with Bands At the Bottom of the Poster, and this year, more than any other year, Riot Fest has stacked the bottom of the bill with some incredible bands that you need to know about.

High Vis

I saw High Vis at the Cobra Lounge in April and it’s the best show I’ve been to this year, and quite frankly, the best show I’ve been to in a long time. These UK imports have created a ton of buzz for themselves over the last year since the release of their second record, “Blending”. They sound like Oasis, but heavier. Their blend of Brit-Pop with hardcore sensibilities is incredibly unique, and I fully expect for them to have one of the best sets of the entire weekend. These guys get it. They may not be the next Coldplay, I doubt stadium tours are in their future, but this is a band that is going to truly matter to a lot of people. Go see them.

Rival Schools

Rival Schools should’ve been huge, but the powers that be had other plans for them. Led by Walter Schreifels (your favorite band’s, favorite producer), this band reunited last year after a decade away from the spotlight with the reissue of 2001’s gem, “United By Fate”. Every time I listen to “Used for Glue”, I wonder how it wasn’t the biggest song on Q101 20 years ago. Alas, they’re back, and they’re playing Riot Fest this year.

Schreifels will be pulling double-duty with iconic punk band Gorilla Biscuits that weekend.

Oso Oso

Oso Oso has been an underground sensation for nearly a decade now. The New York-based group pumps out catchy hooks like no one’s business, notably on 2019’s “basking in the glow”, a lovely, melodic record that I listened to on repeat throughout that entire year. If you need a break from the grit and thrash that Riot Fest offers plenty of, look in the direction of Oso Oso.

Free Throw

Free Throw rips. I could stop writing right there and I think that description of the band would suffice. The Nashville-based four-piece is now carrying the torch that bands like Modern Baseball and Foxing lit a decade ago. They’re down on their luck, yet their vibes are immaculate. If you are wondering “where all the emo bands went”, Free Throw is ready to slam dunk their way into their playlist…or something. I didn’t totally stick the landing there.

Fleshwater

Fleshwater somehow sounds both deeply nostalgic and terrifyingly futuristic. The group made a name for themselves in 2018 with the release of their first record, but last year’s “We’re Not Here to Be Loved” is the album that truly made people’s head’s turn. Had this band been around 20 years ago, they would’ve dominated Ozzfest lineups and the heavy parts of MTV 2’s playlist. Luckily, they’re here right now, and we’ll get to witness them throwing down at Riot Fest. Do not skip this band!

Q101 listeners, get your tickets to Riot Fest here!

Two people were arrested in South Carolina and accused of trying to traffic cocaine under a false pregnancy belly, authorities said.

After nearly colliding with an 18-wheeler, the officers pulled over the couple in question. As they realized deputies were becoming more suspicious of her conflicting story, one of them took off running and very quickly drugs fell from the fake rubber stomach.

Deputies discovered more than 1,500 grams of cocaine during the stop, the sheriff’s office said.

Outsider-turned-Mayor is scheduled to take office today as the 57th mayor of Chicago. Johnson will face several challenges on day one, including choosing a new police superintendent. He resigned as Cook County Commissioner on Saturday, saying,

“Today, I announced my resignation from the Cook County Board of Commissioners. As excited as I am about my future as mayor of Chicago, I am also sobered and humbled to be leaving my constituents and colleagues on the Board, because together, we have done so much important work to transform Cook County government.

“As I look back on these last four years, I am particularly proud that, under President Toni Preckwinkle’s steady leadership, we centered equity and justice in all of our work. Whether it was the Justice for Black Lives resolution, which helped frame our budget deliberations, or the Just Housing Ordinance, which protects individuals with arrest records from housing discrimination, we focused our energy on centering and uplifting our most vulnerable, most marginalized communities. Compassion, competency and collaboration propelled everything we accomplished.   

“It has been a true honor to serve the residents of the 1st District – a diverse district including middle- and upper-class communities which offer residents a host of wonderful public accommodations. The 1st District is also made up of communities like my beloved Austin neighborhood, which, while rich in people, has suffered decades of disinvestment. I am proud that, during my time on the Board, we made unparalleled investments in communities like mine, funding violence prevention programs, affordable housing, health care and other critical needs.

“I leave this position enormous appreciation, respect and love for the work that each and every one of us has done to improve the quality of life for the people of Cook County. That begins with my staff, Ashlee Horton, Audrey Harding and Lisa Schrantz, who are truly the force behind many of our accomplishments. I give special thanks to President Preckwinkle, Secretary to the Board Lynne Turner and their staff, who keep this engine churning, to all the staff across every bureau and division of county government who work diligently and unseen to deliver services to county residents, and to my fellow commissioners who humbly and honorably represent and serve their constituents. 

“As the largest municipality in Cook County, the fate of the City of Chicago and that of Cook County are intricately intertwined. A better, stronger, safer Chicago means a better, stronger, safer Cook County. Our best days are ahead of us, where together we will continue expanding equity, justice, and economic prosperity for all.”

We wish Brandon Johnson the best during his tenure as mayor.

On Monday, May 15, in celebration of the company’s self-proclaimed “National Slider Day., the Ohio-based chain is offering free cheese sliders. No other purchases are necessary to claim the free cheese slider, but customers will have to show a digital coupon upon ordering.

Each customer is also limited to one free slider per visit.

A recent survey found that 40% of Gen Z is counting on a “side hustle” outside their regular 9-to-5 job in an attempt to fight off the rising cost of living. According to Side Hustle Nation, the average side hustle brings in $1,122 a month, but the median income is much lower at just $200 a month.

According to the survey, “According to the research, the “side-hustle” trend spans generations, with 36% of Millennials, 30% of Gen-Xers, and 21% of Boomers holding at least two jobs.”

Do you have a side-hustle? The conversation lives on Facebook!

Francia Raisa has made headlines for calling out her (former) best friend, Selena Gomez, who is drinking on the kidney that Raisa donated to the world-renowned pop star. The rumors are that Raisa is heated over Gomez, saying that she didn’t donate a kidney just so Gomez could drink on it.

That raises the question…should Gomez be allowed to drink on a donated kidney? The conversation lives on Facebook!